Combination fill nipple and on/off valve for a paintball gun

ABSTRACT

An integrated fill nipple and on/off valve for a paintball gun preferably includes a body. The body preferably includes a gas inlet to receive a gas from a compressed gas source and a gas outlet to transmit the gas to the paintball gun. The body also preferably contains a plug cavity for receivingly engaging a plug. The plug preferably includes a flow aperture for transmitting the gas from the inlet aperture to the outlet aperture. An actuator preferably controls the plug position and, hence, a supply of gas through the flow aperture. A fill nipple is also preferably arranged on the plug. Movement of an actuator between an “on” position and an “off” position can be configured to open and close the on/off valve. In an open position, the flow aperture is preferably positioned in communication with the inlet aperture to permit a flow of gas from the inlet aperture to the outlet aperture. Conversely, in a closed position, gas flow between the gas inlet and the gas outlet is preferably prevented. Filling of the compressed gas tank through the fill nipple can be permitted in either position or in only one of the positions.

RELATED APPLICATION DATA

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 60/498,917, filed Aug. 28, 2003, which herebyincorporates by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to paintball guns. More specifically,this invention relates to a paintball gun on/off valve and fill nipplefor selectively controlling a supply of gas from a compressed gas sourceto a compressed gas storage tank and from a compressed gas storage tankto a paintball gun.

A reliable on/off valve for selectively supplying a flow of compressedgas to a paintball gun from a compressed gas tank is shown and describedin U.S. Pat. No. 6,260,821 B1 (the contents of which are incorporatedherein by reference in their entirety), which issued Jul. 17, 2001 toPerry et al., and was assigned to Smart Parts, Inc. In particular, theon/off valve shown and described in Perry et al. overcame reliabilityproblems with preexisting on/off valves, including leakage of thecompressed gas.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a paintball gun 50 having a conventionalon/off valve 100. FIG. 2 is an enlarged side elevation view of theon/off valve 100 of FIG. 1, showing the external attachment between apressure regulator 55 of a paintball gun 50 and a compressed gas source60. The on/off valve 100 of FIGS. 1 and 2 is typical for paintball gunsusing compressed air or nitrogen as the compressed gas source 60. FIG.2A is a side elevation view of an on/off valve 100A, similar to thevalve 100 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The compressed gas source 60A, usedwith the valve 100A, is a CO₂ source. FIG. 3 is a bottom right sideperspective view of the prior art on/off valve 100A of FIG. 2A, shownindependent of attachment to external components. The only structuraldifferences between the valve 100 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 and the valve100A of FIGS. 2A and 3 are the type of actuator 122 used and the size ofthe valve. FIGS. 1 and 2 show a lever-type actuator 122 on a largervalve for use with a compressed air or nitrogen gas source 60, whileFIG. 3 shows a knob-type actuator 122A for use with a compressed CO₂ gassource 60A.

The internal configuration of the conventional on/off valves 100, 100Ais shown in FIGS. 4-7. Specifically, FIG. 4 is a horizontallycross-sectioned bottom plan view of the prior art on/off valve 10A,shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is an enlarged, vertically cross-sectioned,partial right side elevation view of the prior art on/off valve 100A ofFIG. 3. FIG. 6 is a front elevation view and a cutaway left sideelevation view of a plug 120 for use in the prior art on/off valve 100Aof FIG. 3. FIG. 7 is a horizontally cross-sectioned bottom plan view anda vertically cross-sectioned front elevation view of a valve body 102for use in the prior art on/off valve 100A of FIG. 3. The generalinternal configuration of the valve 100 is the same as that for valve100A, except with respect to the sizing of the components.

Referring to FIGS. 4-7, this conventional on/off valve 100A has a valvebody 102 with a gas inlet 110 and a gas outlet 112 extendinglongitudinally through the body 102. The valve body 102 also includes aplug cavity 115 that extends laterally through the body 102 between theinlet 110 and the outlet 112 from a right side (top of FIG. 4) to a leftside (bottom of FIG. 4) of the body 102. A plug 120 is positioned withinthe plug cavity 115. The plug includes a knob (or other actuator) 122Athat can be rotated 900 to switch the valve 100A on or off. The actuator122A is attached to a plug stem 124 that extends into and through theplug cavity 115. A flow aperture 125 is provided through the plug stem124, and is located at the lateral position of the inlet 110 and theoutlet 112, when the plug stem 124 is properly arranged inside thecavity 115.

Two o-rings 126, 126A extend around the plug stem 124 within grooves127, 127A on opposite lateral sides of the inlet 110 and outlet 112.These o-rings 126, 126A provide a seal between the plug stem 124 and thewall of the cavity 115 to prevent the gas from leaking out through theplug ends and to ensure that the gas from the gas inlet 110 travels tothe gas outlet 112 when the valve 100A is open. A third o-ring 128 isprovided along the external surface of the plug stem 124 within acircular-shaped groove 129. The third o-ring 128 is designed to preventgas from leaking into the outlet 112 and, hence, from flowing to the gun50, when the actuator 122A is in an “off” (closed valve) position.Specifically, when the actuator 122A is located in an “off” position,the o-ring 128 surrounds an entry port 113 of the outlet 112, preventingthe gas from entering the outlet 112. It should be noted that the thirdo-ring 128 only performs its sealing function when the valve is in the“off” position.

Referring to FIGS. 1-7, the operation of the prior art on/off valves100, 100A is as follows. When the actuator 122, 122A is located in an“on” (open valve) position, the flow aperture 125 in the plug stem 124is arranged in communication with both the inlet 110 and the outlet 112in order to permit the gas to flow from the inlet 110 to the outlet 112.When the actuator 122, 122A is rotated 900 from the open position into aclosed position, the third o-ring 128 slides into place around the entryport 113 of the outlet 112, and the flow aperture 125 is positionedtransverse to an axis running from the inlet 110 to the outlet 112. Thissystem works fairly well for compressed air and Nitrogen systems whichhave larger valve sizes.

Unfortunately, however, this configuration has several disadvantageswhen used for CO₂ systems, which generally have smaller valves. Inparticular, the wall of the plug cavity 115 is very difficult to debur,particularly around the entry port 113 of the outlet 112. This isbecause the cavity 115 and port 113 are located inside the valve body102. Inevitably, therefore, small, sharp protrusions are left on thewall surface of the cavity 115. These protrusions tend to cut or slicethe o-ring 128 as the plug 120 is rotated from the open to the closedposition. Specifically, burs around the entry port 113 of the outlet 112tend to slice the o-ring 128 as it slides past to reach the closedposition. Once the o-ring 128 has been cut, it can no longer provide anadequate sealing function and gas will leak into the outlet 112 evenwhen the valve 100A is closed.

In addition, the o-ring 128 of the valve 100A is relatively large andpliable, e.g., a 007-70° Urethane (U) or Ethylene Propylene (EP) o-ring.With this o-ring 128, when CO₂ is used as the compressed gas, the o-ring128 has a tendency to absorb the CO₂ and expand as a result. Also,because the o-ring 128 is fairly large in proportion to the diameter ofthe plug 120, it tends to come out of its groove 129. Furthermore,pressure from the gas source tends to force the o-ring 128 into contactwith the valve body 102. The expansion forces and gas pressure increasethe contact between the o-ring 128 and the body 102, thereby increasingthe likelihood that surface irregularities along the cavity walls (andparticularly around the entry port 113 of the outlet 112) will destroythe o-ring 128. When the o-ring 128 is destroyed, the compressed gasbegins to leak from the on/off valve 10A, shortening the life of the gassource. Because of this, the on/off valve 100A is not sufficientlyreliable.

The improved on/off valves 200, 200A, and 200B of Perry et al., whichare shown in FIGS. 8-13, provided a significant improvement in the artby enabling an on/off valve for a paintball gun with improvedreliability. Specifically, in Perry et al., the improved on/off valveshave a valve body with a plurality of gas apertures. The gas aperturesinclude a gas inlet configured to receive a gas from a pressurized gassource, and a gas outlet configured to transmit the gas to a paintballgun. An actuator is configured to selectively control a flow of the gasfrom the gas inlet to the gas outlet. A seal is located inside a port ofone or more of the apertures to prevent the gas from leaking.

In operation, the valve is switched between an open (“on”) position anda closed (“off”) position by actuation of the actuator. In an openposition, the flow of gas is permitted between the gas inlet and the gasoutlet. In a closed position, the flow of gas is interrupted. The sealoperates to prevent gas from leaking from the port in which it islocated. The seal performs its sealing function when the valve is in itsopen position as well as when it is in its closed position.

More specifically, FIG. 8 includes a horizontally cross-sectioned bottomplan view of an on/off switch 200 of Perry et al. FIG. 9 is a verticallycross-sectioned, enlarged right side elevation view of a section of theon/off valve 200 of FIG. 8. FIG. 10 includes an enlarged front elevationview and a cutaway left side elevation view of a plug 220 for use in theon/off valve 200 of FIG. 8. Finally, FIG. 11 includes a horizontallycross-sectioned bottom plan view and a vertically cross-sectioned frontelevation view of a valve body 202 for use in the on/off valve 200 ofFIG. 8.

The improved on/off valve 200 of Perry et al. has a valve body 202 withgas apertures including a gas inlet 210 and a gas outlet 212, eachextending longitudinally through the body 202. The valve body 202further includes a plug cavity 215, extending laterally through the body202 between the inlet 210 and the outlet 212. A plug 220 is positionedwithin the plug cavity 215. An actuator (such as a knob, lever, or otheractuator) 222 is provided on an external portion of the plug 220. Here,the actuator 222 is a knob that is physically attached to a plug stem224. The plug stem 224 extends into and through the plug cavity 215 fromthe right side to the left side of the valve body 202. A flow aperture225 is provided through the plug stem 224 at the lateral position of theinlet 210 and the outlet 212. The actuator 222 can be rotated 90° toturn the valve 200 on or off.

Two o-rings 226, 226A extend around the plug stem 224 within grooves227, 227A on opposite lateral sides of the inlet 210 and outlet 212. Theo-rings 226, 226A prevent the gas from leaking out through the plug endsand ensure that the gas from the gas inlet 210 travels to the gas outlet212 when the valve 200 is open. They also provide redundancy and dustprotection. When the actuator 222 is located in an “on” position, theflow aperture 225 is arranged in communication with both the inlet 210and the outlet 212 in order to permit a flow of the gas from the inlet210 to the outlet 212.

A body o-ring 230 is provided within the valve body 202, rather thanalong the external surface of plug stem 224. Specifically, the bodyo-ring 230 is located inside either an exit port 211 of the gas inlet210 or in an entry port 213 of the gas outlet 212. In this case, thebody o-ring 230 is located in the exit port 211 of the inlet 210. Thebody o-ring 230 provides a seal between the valve body 202 and the plugstem 224, and prevents gas from leaking out of the inlet 210. Becausethe o-ring surrounds the inlet 210 of the valve body, it helps preventgas leakage regardless of the position of the actuator 222. It performsits sealing function when the actuator is in the “on” position (openvalve) as well as when it is in the “off” position (closed valve).

This configuration prevents the body o-ring 230 from moving relative tothe valve body 202 and thereby substantially eliminates the risk of thebody o-ring 230 being cut or damaged by burs in the body 202. This isparticularly advantageous because it is easier to machine the plug stem224 to remove burs than to remove burs from the surface of the plugcavity 215. Accordingly, movement of the finely-machined plug stem 224in relation to the body o-ring 230 is much less likely to damage theo-ring 230 than the movement of the plug o-ring 128 in relation to thebody 102. The body o-ring 230 will therefore have a significantly longerlife than the prior art plug o-ring 128 and provide a more reliableon/off valve 200.

In operation, the valve 200 is switched between an open (“on”) positionand a closed (“off”) position through 90° rotation of the plug 224 viathe actuator 220. In an open position, the flow aperture 225 is arrangedin communication with the inlet 210 and permits a flow of gas from theinlet 210 to the outlet 220. In a closed position, the communicationbetween the flow aperture 225 and the inlet 220 is severed because theflow aperture 225 is then positioned transverse to the longitudinal axesof the inlet 210 and outlet 220. The body o-ring 230 provides a sealbetween the valve body 202 and the plug 220 when the valve is in eitherthe open or the closed position. In the open position, the seal ensuresthe gas will travel through the flow aperture 225. In a closed position,the seal retains the gas within the inlet 210.

Gas pressure from the pressurized gas source 60 enhances the sealingproperties of the body o-ring 230 by encouraging the o-ring 230 intophysical communication with the plug 220. Pressure arrows 232 in FIG. 9illustrate how the gas pressure helps maintain the body o-ring 230 in asealing position. As gas travels to the exit port 211 of the inlet 210it comes into contact with the body o-ring 230 and pushes it outwardtoward the plug stem 224.

Also, because the o-ring 230 is located in the valve body 202, ratherthan along the surface of the plug stem 224, rotation of the plug 220does not substantially move the o-ring 230 in relation to the valve body202. Accordingly, the only movement of consequence for the body o-ring230 is the movement of plug stem 224 across the o-ring 230. Again,because the plug stem 224 can be machined with greater precision thanthe plug cavity 215, this arrangement substantially prevents the o-ring230 from being destroyed or damaged by burs in the body 202.

Additional properties which aid in providing a more reliable on/offvalve 200 include the sizing and hardness of the body o-ring 230. Thebody o-ring 230, for instance, is preferably made of a high densitymaterial, such as Urethane of approximately 90° shore hardness. Thepreferred o-ring 230 is also relatively small, such as approximately asize 003 o-ring. Unlike a large, pliable o-ring 128, a small, hardo-ring will not expand significantly as a result of the presence of CO₂.The body o-ring 230 therefore retains its circular shape.

Additional o-rings 226, 226A provide additional sealing, redundancy, anddust protection. Specifically, plug o-rings 226, 226A prevent dust orother foreign substances from entering the valve assembly around theplug and provide redundancy by preventing leaks when the inlet o-ring230 becomes worn or damaged. They also prevent leakage from the outlet220 through the plug ends.

In another on/off valve 200A, shown in FIG. 12, the flow aperture 225can be moved into, and out of, fluid communication with the inlet 210and outlet 220 by pushing or pulling the plug 220A, rather than byrotation, as with the plug 220. A guide pin can be provided to preventrotation of the plug stem 224 and maintain the flow aperture 225 in aproper relationship with the inlet 210 and the outlet 212.

A body o-ring 230A can also be located within an entry port 213 to thegas outlet 212, as schematically illustrated in FIG. 13. This o-ring230A can be provided in addition to, or instead of, the body o-ring 230located in the exit port 211 of the gas inlet 210. If sized andconfigured correctly, locating an o-ring 230A in the entry port 213 ofthe outlet 212 can provide many of the same benefits as locating theo-ring 230 within the exit port 211 of the inlet 210. If the flowaperture 225 in the plug 224 is made smaller than the outlet 212, thegas pressure (represented by pressure arrows 224) coming from the flowaperture 225 will tend to expand outward from the exit of the flowaperture 225 and force the o-ring 230A into a good sealing contactbetween the plug 224 and the valve body 202B. Some problems with thisembodiment, however, include the difficulty of machining an o-ringretention area in the entry port 213 of the outlet 212, and thecorresponding increase in expense. The body 202B could be formed in twohalves and then secured together to reduce the complexity of therequired machining, but the body 202B would then be bulkier and stillmore expensive.

The flow aperture need not be a hole through the center of the plug. Theflow aperture, for instance, could be a groove around the outside of theplug, or any other type of aperture which would selectively allow gas toflow between the inlet and the outlet based on actuation of the valve.Despite the improvements in on/off valves provided by Perry et al.,existing on/off valves have not provided an integrated fill nipple, suchas is used for filling high pressure compressed gas tanks.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an on/offvalve includes an integrated fill nipple. More particularly, a singlespool, plug, or other valve member can be configured to provide a fillnipple for filling a compressed gas tank as well as an on/off valve forselectively supplying compressed gas from the compressed gas tank to aconnected paintball gun.

The internal configuration of the on/off valve according to a preferredembodiment of this invention preferably includes the beneficialstructural characteristics of Perry et al. Unlike the on/off valve ofPerry et al., however, the plug, spool, or other valve member of apreferred embodiment of this invention also preferably includes anintegrated fill nipple. The fill nipple and on/off valve can operatesuch that when the on/off valve is in either an on or off position, thefill nipple can be used to direct compressed gas from a compressed gassource into the tank to fill the tank. When the on/off valve is in an onposition, compressed gas is preferably supplied from the compressed gastank to a connected device, such as a paintball gun.

The foregoing and other features and advantages of the invention willbecome more readily apparent from the following detailed description ofa preferred embodiment of the invention which proceeds with reference tothe accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front, right side perspective view of a paintball gun with acompressed gas source, showing the general location of an on/off valveaccording to the prior art;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged side view of the on/off valve of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2A is a side view of an on/off valve for a paintball gun, similarto FIG. 2, according to another configuration of the prior art;

FIG. 3 is a bottom, right side perspective view of the prior art on/offvalve for a paintball gun shown in FIG. 2A;

FIG. 4 is a horizontally cross-sectioned bottom plan view of the priorart on/off valve of FIG. 3, with a cutaway view of an o-ringconfiguration and a front elevation view;

FIG. 5 is a vertically cross-sectioned enlarged right side elevationview of a section of the prior art on/off valve of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged front elevation view and a cutaway left sideelevation view of a plug for use in the prior art on/off valve of FIG.3;

FIG. 7 is a horizontally cross-sectioned bottom plan view and avertically cross-sectioned front elevation view of a valve body for usein the prior art on/off valve of FIG. 3;

FIG. 8 is a horizontally cross-sectioned bottom plan view and a frontelevation view of an on/off valve for a paintball gun according to animproved prior art on/off valve design;

FIG. 9 is a vertically cross-sectioned enlarged right side elevationview of a section of the prior art on/off valve for a paintball gun ofFIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged front elevation view and a cutaway left sideelevation view of a plug for use in the prior art on/off valve of FIG.8;

FIG. 11 is a horizontally cross-sectioned bottom plan view and avertically cross-sectioned front elevation view of a valve body for usein the prior art on/off valve of FIG. 8;

FIG. 12 is a schematic side view of a combination fill nipple and on/offvalve according to one embodiment of the present invention, shownconnected to a paintball gun;

FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view of the combination fill nippleand on/off valve of FIG. 12, shown connected to a compressed gas tank,wherein the valve body is shown transparently to permit viewing of thefill nipple and valve spool;

FIG. 14 is an enlarged perspective view of the combination fill nippleand on/off valve of FIG. 13, shown removed from the compressed gas tankwith the valve in the off position, wherein the valve body is showntransparently to permit viewing of the fill nipple and valve spool;

FIG. 15 is an enlarged perspective view of the combination fill nippleand on/off valve of FIG. 13, shown removed from the compressed gas tankand with the valve in the on position, wherein the valve body is showntransparently to permit viewing of the fill nipple and valve spool; and

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of an integrated on/off valve and fillnipple according to an embodiment of this invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A preferred embodiment illustrating the present inventive principleswill now be described with reference to the accompanying figures. Morespecifically, FIG. 12 is a schematic side view of a combination fillnipple and on/off valve 1000 according to a presently preferredembodiment of the present invention, shown connected to a paintball gun50. FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view of the combination fillnipple and on/off valve 1000 of FIG. 12, shown connected to a compressedgas tank 60. In FIG. 13, the valve body 1001 is shown transparently topermit viewing of a fill nipple and valve spool 1010. FIGS. 14 and 15are enlarged perspective views of the fill nipple and on/off valve 1000shown in the “off” and “on” positions, respectively. And finally, FIG.16 is a cross-sectional view of the integrated on/off valve and fillnipple 1000 of FIG. 13.

Referring to FIGS. 12-16, according to a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention, an on/off valve and integrated fill nipple 1000 areintegrally provided. More particularly, the on/off valve and fill nipplecan be integrated for filling a compressed gas tank into a valve member(such as a spool or plug) 1010 for selectively supplying compressed gasfrom the compressed gas tank 60 to a connected paintball gun 50. Theinternal configuration of the on/off valve portion 1020 according to apreferred embodiment of this invention preferably includes thebeneficial structural characteristics of Perry et al. Unlike the on/offvalve of Perry et al., however, the plug, spool, or other valve member1010 of a preferred embodiment of this invention also preferablyincludes an integrated fill nipple 1012. The fill nipple and on/offvalve 1000 can operate such that when the on/off valve is in either anon or off position, the fill nipple 1012 can be used to directcompressed gas from a compressed gas source (not shown) into the tank 60to fill the tank. When the on/off valve is in an on position, compressedgas is preferably supplied from the compressed gas tank 60 to aconnected device, such as a paintball gun 50.

The integrated fill nipple and on/off valve 1000, shown in FIGS. 12-16,provides a further improvement in the art by combining a reliable on/offvalve 1020 for a paintball gun 50 with an integrated fill nipple 1012,thus reducing the space required for these components. Morespecifically, the integrated fill nipple and on/off valve 1000 has avalve body 1001 with a plurality of gas apertures. The gas aperturesinclude a gas inlet 1021 configured to receive a gas from a pressurizedgas source, and a gas outlet 1022 configured to transmit the gas to apaintball gun 50. An actuator 1030 is configured to selectively controlthe flow of gas from the gas inlet to the gas outlet. Seals (e.g., seal1021a) may be located inside a port of one or more of the apertures toprevent the gas from leaking. A fill nipple 1012 is further preferablyarranged on a valve member 1010 (such as a spool or plug).

In operation, the valve member 1020 is switched between an open (“on”)position and a closed (“off”) position by actuation of the actuator1030, which in turn moves the valve member 1020. In an open position,the flow of gas is permitted between the gas inlet 1021 and the gasoutlet 1022. In a closed position, the flow of gas is interrupted. Theseals (e.g., seal 1021 a) operate to prevent gas from leaking from theport in which they are located. The seal 1021 a performs its sealingfunction when the valve is in its open position as well as when it is inits closed position. In addition, the fill nipple 1012 preferablyprovides a one-way flow path into the compressed gas storage tank. Thefill nipple 1012 can be configured to permit filling regardless of theposition of the valve member 1020. Alternatively, the fill nipple 1012can be configured to permit filling only when the valve member 1020 isin a desired one of the actuated or deactuated positions.

As stated previously, the integrated fill/nipple and on/off valve 1000preferably includes a valve body 1001 with gas apertures including a gasinlet 1021 and a gas outlet 1022. These two apertures each preferablyextend longitudinally through the body transverse to a plug cavity 1002.The plug cavity 1002 preferably extends laterally through the body 1001from one side to the other, and is located longitudinally between theinlet 1021 and the outlet 1022. A plug 1010 is preferably positionedwithin the plug cavity 1002. An actuator 1030 (such as a knob, lever, orother actuator) is preferably provided on an external portion of one endof the plug 1010. In this particular embodiment, the actuator 1030 is aknob or handle that is physically attached to a plug stem 1010. The plugstem (or spool) 1010 preferably extends into and through the plug cavity1002 from the one side of the valve body 1001 to an opposite side. Aflow aperture 1023 is preferably provided through the plug stem 1010 atthe lateral position of the inlet 1021 and the outlet 1022 to fluidlyconnect the inlet 1021 to the outlet 1022 when the valve actuator 1030is positioned in the “on” position. The actuator 1030 can preferably berotated 90° to turn the valving mechanism 1020 “on” or “off”.

Two o-rings 1020 a, 1020 h preferably extend around the plug stem 1010within grooves 1025 a, 1025 h arranged on opposite lateral sides of theinlet 1021 and outlet 1022. The o-rings 1020 a, 1020 h prevent gas fromleaking out through the plug ends and ensure that the gas from the gasinlet 1021 travels to the gas outlet 1022 when the valving mechanism1020 is open or “on.” They also provide redundancy and dust protection.When the actuator 1030 is located in an “on” position, the flow aperture1023 is arranged in fluid communication with both the inlet 1021 and theoutlet 1022 in order to permit a flow of the gas from the inlet 1021 tothe outlet 1022.

A body o-ring 1021 a is preferably provided within the valve body 1001.Specifically, the body o-ring 1021 a is preferably located inside eitheran exit port 1021h of the gas inlet or in an entry port (not shown) ofthe gas outlet 1022. In this specific embodiment, the body o-ring 1021 ais located in the exit port 1021 h of the inlet 1021. The body o-ring1021 a provides a seal between the valve body 1001 and the plug stem1010, and prevents gas from leaking out of the inlet 1021. Because theo-ring 1021 a surrounds the inlet 1021 of the valve body 1001, it helpsprevent gas leakage regardless of the position of the actuator 1030. Itpreferably performs its sealing function when the actuator 1030 is the“on” position (open valve) as well as when it is in the “off” position(closed valve).

This configuration prevents the body o-ring 1021 a from moving relativeto the valve body 1001 and thereby substantially eliminates the risk ofthe body o-ring 1021 a being cut or damaged by burs in the body 1001.This is particularly advantageous because it is easier to machine theplug stem 1010 to remove burs than to remove burs from the surface ofthe plug cavity 1002. Accordingly, movement of the finely-machined plugstem 1010 in relation to the body o-ring 1021 a is much less likely todamage the o-ring 1021 a than the movement of a plug o-ring in relation(not shown) to the body 1001. The body o-ring 1021 a will therefore havea significantly longer life than the prior art plug o-ring and provide amore reliable on/off valve.

In operation, the valve mechanism 1020 is switched between an open(“on”) position and a closed (“off”) position through 90° rotation ofthe plug 1010 via the actuator 1030. In an open position, the flowaperture 1023 is arranged in communication with the inlet 1021 andpermits a flow of gas from the inlet 1021 to the outlet 1022. In aclosed position, the communication between the flow aperture 1023 andthe inlet 1021 is severed because the flow aperture 1023 is thenpositioned transverse to the longitudinal axes of the inlet 1021 andoutlet 1022. The body o-ring 1021 a provides a seal between the valvebody 1001 and the plug 1010 when the valve member 1020 is in either theopen or the closed position. In the open position, the seal 1021 aensures the gas will travel through the flow aperture 1023. In a closedposition, the seal 1021 a retains the gas within the inlet 1021.

Gas pressure from the pressurized gas tank 60 can enhance the sealingproperties of the body o-ring 1021 a by encouraging the o-ring 1021 ainto physical communication with the plug 1010. Also, if the o-ring 1021a is located in the valve body 1001, rather than along the surface ofthe plug stem 1010, then rotation of the plug 1010 does notsubstantially move the o-ring 1021 a in relation to the valve body 1001.Accordingly, in this particular configuration, the only movement ofconsequence for the body o-ring 1021 a is the movement of plug stem 1010across the o-ring 1021 a. Because the plug stem 1010 can be machinedwith greater precision than the plug cavity 1002, this preferredarrangement substantially prevents the o-ring 1021 a from beingdestroyed or damaged by burs in the body 1001.

Additional properties which can aid in providing a more reliable valvingmechanism 1020 include the sizing and hardness of the body o-ring 1021a. The body o-ring 1021 a, for instance, is preferably made of a highdensity material, such as Urethane of approximately 90° shore hardness.The body o-ring therefore preferably retains its circular shape.

Additional o-rings can be included to provide sealing, redundancy, anddust protection. Specifically, plug o-rings (e.g., o-rings 1010 a, 1020a, 1020 h) prevent dust or other foreign substances from entering thevalve assembly 1020 around the plug 1010 and provide redundancy bypreventing leaks from the plug cavity 1002 when the inlet o-ring 1021 abecomes worn or damaged. They can also help prevent leakage from theoutlet 1022 through the plug ends. Of course, the flow aperture 1023need not be a hole through the center of the plug 1010. The flowaperture 1023, for instance, could be a groove around the outside of theplug 1010, or any other type of aperture or flow path which wouldselectively allow gas to flow between the inlet 1021 and the outlet 1022based on actuation of the valve mechanism 1020.

The primary benefits resulting from the integration of the fill nipple1012 with the on/off valve 1020 according to the principles of thepresent invention include space and weight savings which presentimportant considerations in paintball guns. In addition, the preferredintegrated fill nipple and on/off valve 1000 includes a balancedpressured shaft 1010 that can rotate the output air on and off whilemaintaining constant flow through the input side with the fill nipple1012. Integration of the fill nipple 1012 with the on/off valve 1020also reduces the number of components required (e.g., eliminating adrive hex and thread along with other components) for less expensive andeasier assembly as well as a cleaner installation and a lower profile.Combining the two components also enables faster assembly.

According to one additional design consideration, fill speed can beregulated by modifying the flow rate through the fill nipple 1012. Thiscan be accomplished, for example, by changing the diameter of the port1011 passing through it. Reducing the flow rate can preventover-stressing the tank 60 that may result from filling the tank 60 toofast.

Having described and illustrated the principles of the invention, itshould be apparent that the invention can be modified in arrangement anddetail without departing from such principles. We claim allmodifications and variations coming within the spirit and scope of thefollowing claims.

1. An integrated on/off valve and fill nipple for a paintball gun compressed gas system, comprising: a valve body; an on/off valving mechanism arranged in the valve body; and a fill nipple arranged on a member of the valving mechanism.
 2. An integrated on/off valve and fill nipple according to claim 1, further comprising: a plug cavity arranged through the valve body; and a plug stem arranged through the plug cavity, wherein the plug stem comprises a fill nipple arranged on an end thereof, and wherein the plug stem further provides a portion of the valving mechanism.
 3. An integrated on/off valve and fill nipple according to claim 2, further comprising: a gas inlet arranged in the valve body to communicate compressed gas between a compressed gas storage tank and the plug cavity; a gas outlet arranged in the valve body to communicate compressed gas between the plug cavity and a gas connection to the paintball gun; and a flow aperture arranged in the plug stem to communicate compressed gas from the gas inlet to the gas outlet when the valve is in an open position.
 4. An integrated on/off valve and fill nipple according to claim 1, wherein the fill nipple permits the flow of compressed gas into the compressed gas tank regardless of the position of the on/off valve.
 5. An integrated on/off valve and fill nipple according to claim 1, wherein the fill nipple permits the flow of compressed gas into the compressed gas tank only when the on/off valve is in the off position.
 6. An integrated on/off valve and fill nipple according to claim 2, further comprising a plurality of o-rings arranged around the plug stem.
 7. An integrated on/off valve and fill nipple according to claim 2, wherein the fill nipple comprises a fill aperture disposed through a portion of the plug stem.
 8. An integrated on/off valve and fill nipple according to claim 1, further comprising an actuator arranged to turn the valve on and off.
 9. An integrated on/off valve and fill nipple according to claim 2, further comprising an actuator arranged on an end of the plug stem opposite the fill nipple.
 10. An integrated on/off valve and fill nipple according to claim 9, wherein the valve actuator is actuated to rotate the plug stem to turn the valve on and off.
 11. An integrated on/off valve and fill nipple according to claim 3, wherein the inlet comprises an outlet port arranged in proximity to the plug cavity.
 12. An integrated on/off valve and fill nipple according to claim 11, further comprising an o-ring arranged in the outlet port of the plug cavity.
 13. An integrated on/off valve and fill nipple for a paintball gun compressed gas system, comprising: a valve body; an on/off valving mechanism arranged in the valve body; a plug cavity arranged through the valve body; and a plug stem arranged through the plug cavity, wherein the plug stem comprises a fill nipple arranged on an end thereof, and wherein the plug stem further provides a portion of the valving mechanism.
 14. An integrated on/off valve and fill nipple according to claim 13, further comprising: a gas inlet arranged in the valve body to communicate compressed gas between a compressed gas storage tank and the plug cavity; a gas outlet arranged in the valve body to communicate compressed gas between the plug cavity and a gas connection to the paintball gun; and a flow aperture arranged in the plug stem to communicate compressed gas from the gas inlet to the gas outlet when the valve is in an open position.
 15. An integrated on/off valve and fill nipple according to claim 14, wherein the inlet comprises an outlet port arranged in proximity to the plug cavity.
 16. An integrated on/off valve and fill nipple according to claim 15, further comprising an o-ring arranged in the outlet port of the plug cavity.
 17. An integrated on/off valve and fill nipple for a paintball gun compressed gas system, comprising: a valve body; an on/off valving mechanism arranged in the valve body; a plug cavity arranged through the valve body; a plug stem arranged through the plug cavity, wherein the plug stem comprises a fill nipple arranged on an end thereof, and wherein the plug stem further provides a portion of the valving mechanism; a gas inlet arranged in the valve body to communicate compressed gas between a compressed gas storage tank and the plug cavity; a gas outlet arranged in the valve body to communicate compressed gas between the plug cavity and a gas connection to the paintball gun; and a flow aperture arranged in the plug stem to communicate compressed gas from the gas inlet to the gas outlet when the valve is in an open position.
 18. An integrated on/off valve and fill nipple according to claim 17, wherein the inlet comprises an outlet port arranged in proximity to the plug cavity.
 19. An integrated on/off valve and fill nipple according to claim 18, further comprising an o-ring arranged in the outlet port of the plug cavity.
 20. An integrated on/off valve and fill nipple according to claim 17, wherein the fill nipple is configured to permit filling of a compressed gas storage tank regardless of a position of the on/off valve. 